The Poco F6 series has already been launched today at the Dubai Exhibition Center. Both devices are powerful enough affordable flagships with 50MP cameras, cutting-edge AMOLED screens with Dolby Vision and 120Hz, running Xiaomi HyperOS with generative AI features and each device is designed to look premium so that users don't feel alienated from competing devices.
I have used the Poco F6 for a few days during a trip in Dubai with Poco Malaysia. In my opinion Poco F6 is a pretty great device and this is a first look article about my experience using it.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
Screen 6.67″ AMOLED, 1.5K WQHD+, 120Hz,
Dolby Vision, 2400 nits, Gorilla Glass Victus
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor (4nm)
1x 3.0 GHz Cortex-X4
4x 2.8 GHz Cortex-A720
3x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A520
Adreno 735 Graphics Chip
RAM 8/12 GB LPDDR5X
8 GB Virtual
256/512 GB UFS 4.0 storage
Primary Camera 50MP IMX 882, f/1.59, OIS (Wide Angle)
8MP (Ultra Wide Angle)
Front Camera 20MP, f/2.2
5000mAh battery
90W Xiaomi HyperCharge (Wired)
5G Dual-SIM Sim/Telephony
Dolby Atmos Stereo Speaker Audio
WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth WiFi 6, Yes, Bluetooth 5.4,
Infrared Yes
Waterproof IP64
Under Screen Fingerprint Scanning System
Sale Price Black/Titanium/Green
RM1,799 (8/256GB)
RM1,999 (12/512 GB)
The Poco F6 is a strangely affordable flagship device because on paper, it's much better than the Poco F6 Pro. Examples include Gorilla Glass Victus support, IP64 waterproof protection and a newer chip. The device is also designed to look more professional because there is no pattern and it is quite minimalistic with three color options which are black, green and titanium which suits many people.
The use of LPDRR5X memory for RAM and UFS 4.0 for storage is a smart decision by Poco because it is a technology that is often used in expensive flagship devices. A 50MP camera with AI features for color matched with an 8MP camera without any gimmicky sensors. What I like the most is that Poco also includes the same generative AI features on the Xiaomi 14, namely AI Eraser Pro, AI Expansion, AI Portrait and AI Subtitles.
The most surprising thing to me is that the Poco F6 also supports IP64 waterproof and dustproof protection, still uses Dolby Atmos speakers and is sold at a price starting at RM1799. Even if you buy during the promotion, this device can be bought for as low as RM1559.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
The screen of this device is one of the best I have ever tried on a Poco device. However, I still need time to test more deeply. As far as looking at the launcher, video recording results, photos taken and comparison with the Poco F5 through memory - the F6 screen looks more beautiful and satisfying.
Xiaomi HyperOS is used on this Poco F6 device. No more MIUI for Poco or Poco HyperOS as Xiaomi only made minor changes to the operating system for their more affordable devices. The most noticeable difference is the ad dump on F6 which is very annoying. Imagine, my Internet access in Dubai is limited so I can't update the application as usual and Poco F6 issues an advertisement notification telling me not to miss out because more than 90% of users have updated the same application.
As of these few days of use, the performance of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is very satisfactory. Although it has lower specifications than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3, throughout my use it seems that there is no significant difference. I tested the camera a lot and explored the interesting features offered on HyperOS, for starters I haven't had time to test it but in the AnTuTu 3D benchmark test I received a score of 1,428,642 with CPU and GPU power recorded beating over 50% of competing devices.
On stage during the launch, they displayed a score that was approximately the same as that of the OnePlus 12 which uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Turning to the camera, this time Poco follows the Nothing strategy, which is to include only two camera sensors without any gimmicky sensors.
For quality, the night mode looks good but not satisfactory. What is surprising is the 50MP main camera that is able to preserve details and produce captivating colors. I'm looking forward to using this device as an everyday device to further test its camera capabilities. Even the 20MP selfie camera looks beautiful and no longer requires additional editing.
Poco F6 uses Dolby Atmos stereo speaker system. In my brief test, it sounds like the slightly better Redmi Note 13 Pro+ speaker. As for the battery, heavy use over several days in Dubai sharing the device with two other media gave around 4 hours SOT. This is probably due to inconsistent usage and the extremely hot weather in Dubai. However, 90W fast charging can charge the device from 0% to 100% in less than 40 minutes.
CONCLUSION
I still find it strange why so many more professional features are included in the Poco F6 instead of the Poco F6 Pro. With an offer like this, Poco fans who will buy the F6 are very lucky to receive an attractive package at a price below RM2000. Great screen, great camera, great performance, better speakers and an affordable price.
One thing that users have to be patient with later is the process of turning off ads that blink and don't come out and sometimes appear suddenly. Other things I'm sure people who are looking for a flagship device with an affordable price, this device is the best choice. Stay tuned to us for review articles to be published in the next few weeks.
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
Beautiful and great screen.
Poco has IP64 protection.
Beautiful 50MP camera.
Satisfactory performance.
Interesting generative AI features.
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
The used Xiaomi HyperOS is full of ads.
The speaker is not very good.
AI editing results still need training.
Too many fat apps.